The 'Iskra' semi-double purple-lilac flowered aster is a charming annual plant that develops dozens of magnificent flowers. The noble purple that contrasts with the yellow centre creates a harmonious, cheerful combination. It will bring life into gardens in which other plants already start to wilt. The branching shoots that end with flower heads form dense, erect bushes. They are usually 60-65 cm tall. The semi-double asters perfectly fit onto flower beds and are great cut flowers. They harmonize well with other plants and complement the planter arrangements very well. The aster bouquets remain fresh and great looking for a long time and will help you to upkeep the memory of summer colours.

Asters should be grown from seedlings in our weather conditions. Direct sow is used less frequently. Sow the seeds onto a hotbed or into pots. The optimal germination temperature is circa 15⁰C. The seedlings need to be pricked out after the first pair of true leaves appears. The aster seedlings should be planted on the permanent site in the second half of May when the risk of frost is gone completely.  Hardening the seedlings prior the transplantation is always recommended. Asters produce the most beautiful, large flowers on a fertile, humous soil. They like permeable, sandy-loam soils. You will enjoy the largest flowers on sunny sites. Asters do not like wet spots where water tends to stand. We recommend to remove the wilted inflorescences. This treatment stimulates plants to produce new flower buds and prevents fungal infections from developing.

One package contains 1 gram of seeds. The growing instructions and the sow-by date can be found at the back of the package.

• Height: 60 - 65 cm
• Use: ornamental - flower beds, cut flower
• Growth form: dense, erect bushes
• Flower colour: purple with yellow centre
• Vegetation form: annual
• Flower type: semi-double
• Site: sunny; fertile, humous, permeable, sandy-loam soil
• Weight (in grams): 1 g